Ludlow, 1907, The law governing aeroplanes
Three rules control all aeroplane construction. These basic laws or principles are so very simple that the wonder is, that they have not been applied before.
If these certain rules are followed a successful flying-machine can be built, though the design and method of construction may very in numberless different ways. These being the conditions, no monopoly can be had of the aeroplane, though of course some designs will be better than others.
Law 1: The length of the aeroplane (the extreme distance of fore and aft) must be approximately equal, or be greater than its width.
Law 2: The aeroplane's surface as a whole, must make a level line longitudinally and laterally between its extreme edges;—or form a dihedral angle.
Law 3: The propellers of the aeroplane must be placed at, or forward of the center of pressure.
Examines recent French aircraft as exemplars of these principles. However these "laws" are by no means proven conclusively.
| Original title | The law governing aeroplanes |
|---|---|
| Simple title | The law governing aeroplanes |
| Authors | Israel Ludlow |
| Date | 1907-11 |
| Countries | US |
| Languages | en |
| Keywords | physics, aerodynamics, airplane, design, frame, shape, tractor propeller, Louis Blériot, Alberto Santos-Dumont, Santos Dumont No. 15, Wright Brothers, Delagrange |
| Journal | Amer. Aeronaut and Aerostatist |
| Related to aircraft? | 1 |
| Page count | 2 |
| Word count | |
| Wikidata id |
Sources
- Brockett 1910, page 534, entry 7756: Ludlow, Israel. The law governing aeroplanes. Amer. Aeronaut and Aerostatist, Vol. 1, No. 2, 1907, St. Louis, pp. 9-10, ill. S (7756
- Scan at HT
